There is a mild portending in the air
this last November morning, a persistent wish
that with tomorrow’s wreath and purple candles
at least something will begin, or should I say,
“begin again.” Almost eighty of
these now, after all,
and still—like weary Simeon—I’m scanning faces,
seeking, hoping, perhaps fearing.
If he did come in the end
how would I know him? Would
there be words exchanged,
a knowing look, even a fierce embrace?
Might I have already missed whatever is to come,
failing to recognize the fathoms deep beneath the daily pageant?
Or will this be the year, at last, when ancient word and melody,
rich color and the candled scent of evergreen
bear light to life and lasting joy within
these time-worn, aching bones.
~J. Barrie Shepherd
Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11
Journal: What do the words of Isaiah stir within you during this day and this
season? What desires are aroused in
you? How do you long for God to come
into your life and world?
Reflection:
“Advent is all about desire,’ an elderly
Jesuit in our community used to say every year as November drew to a
close. And whenever he said it, I would
say, “Huh?”
But gradually it dawned on
me. Christians desire the coming of
Christ into their lives in new ways, a desire that is heightened during
Advent. The beautiful readings from the
book of Isaiah, which we hear during Advent, describe how even the earth longs
for the presence of God. The wonderful
“O antiphons,” sung at evening prayer and during the Gospel acclamations
towards the end of Advent, speak of Christ as the “King of Nations and their
Desire.” The Gospel readings in the
coming weeks tell of John the Baptist expressing Israel’s hope for a
Messiah. Mary and Joseph look forward to
the upcoming birth of a son. My friend
was right. It’s all about desire. ~James
Martin, SJ
Prayer
Closing
Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus. Come into our longing. Come into our lives and fill them with the
hope and the joy which we were made to know.
This day and every day. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment